Rocker convertible to nonrocking chair



Jan. 6, 1953 G. ANDRUS 2,624,393

ROCKER CONVERTIBLE TO NONROCKING CHAIR Filed July 20, 1951 5&

IN VEN TOR.

(/eozye AMM W14? g V P ATTOP/VKVS Patented Jan. 6, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEIQ George Andrus, Minneapolis, Minn. Application July 20, 1951, Serial No. 237,738

3 Claims. 1

My invention relates to furniture, and has for its object the provision of a single piece of furniture which has many uses.

More specifically, it is the object of'my invention to provide an article of furniture which may be used alternatively as a high chair for infants, a rocker for infants, a step ladder for adults, and a multi-shelf display unit for potted flowers, knick-knacks and the like.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a device of the class above described, which is relatively inexpensive to produce, durable in construction, but is sufficiently light in weight to permit the same to be moved from one position to another, in order to accomplish one of the alternative objects above set forth.

The above and still further objects of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed specification, appended claims and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings wherein like characters indicate like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a view in front elevation of my novel structure;

Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view in side elevation of my novel structure illustrating the use of same as a rocker;

Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation showing the use of my novel structure as a display unit; and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of my device.

Referring with greater particularity to the structure of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, of the drawings, the numeral I indicates a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel side members, preferably formed from lumber or other suitable sheet material. Matching longitudinal side edges 2 of the side members I are convex throughout their length to provide rocker elements. The opposite longitudinal edges 3 are preferably and as shown concave to provide a non-rocking supporting base having supporting legs 4 and 5. A plurality of longitudinally-spaced tread elements 5 extend laterally inwardly from the convex side edges 2 of the side members I and terminate at the transverse intermediate portion of said side members I. A seat-forming element 1 extends transversely across the side elements I, connecting side edges 2 and 3 thereof, adjacent to and in spaced relation to the end 8. Riser elements 9 connect the tread elements '6 and the seat element 1. Preferably, and as shown, the ends of the side members I adjacent the seat element I are cut away as at I0 to provide hand rails II; and the opposite end of said members I are notches as at I2 to provide supporting legs I3. Also as shown, the side frame members I, immediately below the seat-forming member "I (see Fig. 2) is apertured "as at I4 to provide an additional hand railelement I5, the purpose of which will hereinafter become apparent. I p

A back rest element I 6 extends between the side members I and projects substantially at right angles to the seat element 1 in closely-spaced relation to the non-rocking longitudinal side edges 3 of said members'I. A gripping bar I! extends transversely between side members I adjacent the side edges 3 thereof and the legs I3.

When it is desired to use my novel structure as either a high chair for juveniles or a step ladder for adults, the same is placed in an upright position with the legs I3 in contact with the floor or the like A (see Figs. 1 and 2). In the event that the device is used as a high chair, a strap or the like may be inserted around the hand rails II to prevent the infant from accidentally falling out. On the other hand, if the device is used as a step ladder, the hand rails l I and I5 are of great aid to the user in climbing upward thereon or downward therefrom.

When it is desired to use my novel structure as a rocker for infants, the same is positioned, as shown in Fig. 3, with the convex side edges 2 of the side members I in engagement with the floor A. The infant is then placed with his buttocks on the uppermost of the riser elements 9 and with his back in engagement with the seat element I. In this position, his feet will come to rest upon the lowermost of the riser elements 9. In the event that the child stands up on the lowermost of the riser elements 9, then and in that event he may place his hands upon the gripping bar I! and in this manner rock without fear of falling forwardly in this direction. Also, I have found that the concavity of the side edges 3 of the side members I tends to center the child with respect to the opposite ends thereof. In view of the fact that the child tends to slide toward the center of the concavity, this is highly desirable in keeping the child within the device when it is so desired.

When it is desired to use my novel structure for the display of plants, knick-knacks or the like, with display shelves at different levels, it is only necessary to place the same in the position of Fig. 4 of the drawings, wherein the concave longitudinal edge 3 is on the bottom with the leg elements 4 and 5 provided thereby in engagement with the floor A. Flower pots or other things sought to be displayed may then be placed upon the generally horizontally-positioned shelf-acting riser elements 9 and the back rest element I6. In this position, the device appears much as a modernized what-not.

In Fig. 5, I have shown a device, identical in all respects to the device of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, with the exception that the side elements la thereof are formed from stainless steel tubing or the like; the-remaining parts thereof bearing-indicia identical with those appearing on Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive.

While I have disclosed one preferred and one slightly modified form of my invention, it is obvious that the same is capable of still further modification without departure from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in. the

claims.

What I claim is:

1. A multi-purpose article of furniture comprising a pair of. elongated generally'parallel side members; matching longitudinal side. edges ofi which" are convex: throughout their length to provide rocker elements, the opposite: longitudinal edges; oi s'aidsidem'embers being: concave and providing a non-rockingsupporting. base, a plurality of longitudinally spaced tread elements extending laterally inwardly from said convex sides and terminating in. spaced relation to the opposite side'e'd'ges, a seat-forming element extending'transversely across sai'd si'de elements adjacent-to and 'i'n spaced relation toone end thereof; riser elements connecting said tread elements and said seat element, the ends of said side members adjacent said seat element being formed with hand rails and the opposite ends of said side members formed with supporting legs.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 in further combination with a back rest element intermediate said side members and projecting substantially at right angles to the seat element and in closelyspaced relationto. the non-rockin longitudinal side edges of said side members.

3. The structure defined in claim 1 in further combination with a back rest element intermediate said-side members and projecting substanmany at' right angles to the seat element and in closely spaced relation to the non-rocking longitudinal side'edges of said side members, and a gripping bar extending transversely between said side frame members adjacent said non-rocking side edges and said foot-forming ends.

GEORGE ANDRUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,326,415 Negus Dec. 30,1919 1,450,397 Weber Apr. 3, 1923 1,700,959 Street Feb. 5, 1929 1,753,372 Gober- .Apr. 8, 1930 2,269,834 Wagner Jan. 13, 1942 

